Pastoral thinking wide and long

A PASTOR’S HEART:
Essays in Memory of Harry L. Reeder III
Edited by Derrick E. Brite
Christian Focus. 255 pages. £21.99
ISBN 978 1 527 111 417

The late Harry Reader III may not be a familiar name this side of the Atlantic, but he was well known in the States for his long and fruitful ministry at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama.

I had the privilege of hearing him as he led a ‘From Embers to a Flame’ conference in Leicester in the mid-2000s. I was struck then by his warmth, his obvious love of the church – and his encyclopaedic knowledge of American military history! So I was delighted when I was given the opportunity to review this festschrift in his memory.

Inevitably, in a collection of 15 essays covering every aspect of Harry Reeder’s life and ministry, there is some repetition, but the resounding notes throughout are affection and gratitude. It’s obvious that he exercised a huge influence over his family, over the vast congregation at Briarwood and over the whole Presbyterian Church in America. He truly was a gift of the risen Lord Jesus to His church.

Although the book focuses on one man, it serves as a great primer for those sensing God’s call to local church ministry. Essay topics range from preaching and evangelism through to Biblical counselling and leadership. Leadership was a big issue for Harry Reader. I recall his comment at that ‘Embers’ conference in Leicester that the church should be growing leaders not just for God’s people but for society as a whole.

As well as inspiring an up-and-coming generation, the book is also a heart-warming tonic to those who have borne the heat and burden of service over many years. As Harry Reeder would say, with his dogged, determined delight in alliteration, ‘keep on mission, on message and in ministry!’

It is inevitable that a series of essays celebrating the life of an American pastor would have a decidedly American feel. How would Harry Reeder have served in the UK context, I wonder. Would his views on Christian education and cultural engagement have been any different? Probably not.

Whatever the answer to those questions, we can share with the contributors to this fine work in celebrating the life and ministry of a faithful servant of God. And join in praying that He would raise up more church leaders like Harry Reeder III who will inspire the next generation.